Philosophy of Modern Society (4
Semester Hours)
Philosophy of Modern Society (4
Semester Hours)
January 10—April 21, 2005
Course Description:
This
course is designed to reawaken a sense of wonder concerning the larger questions
of life: What is reality? Does life have meaning? Purpose? What is the good
life? What does it mean to be human? What are our sources of knowledge? By
reflecting on these and other philosophical questions, students will become more
aware of their own philosophical orientation in modern society.
Course Objectives:
A.
To discuss life’s meaning in the context of philosophy.
B. To compare and contrast major philosophies and their ideas which influence values in our society today.
C. To analyze key issues in the history of philosophy.
D. To criticize logically, evaluate ideas, and defend individual views with reasonable justification.
E. To evaluate philosophical presuppositions in seeking a solution to any problem.
F. To value a variety of philosophical viewpoints.
G. To demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills in the context of Philosophy and Modern Society.
H. To prepare and analyze an approved topic, through an in-depth inquiry of the topic. (Independent Study Component)
Required textbook:
About
Philosophy,
8/e, Robert Paul Wolff, Prentice Hall, 2000. ISBN #0130853933 (In addition to
the text, use the following site that parallels the book:
www.prenhall.com/wolff)
Other Internet Resources:
·
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy:
http://www.utm.edu/research/iep/
Philosophical Terms and Names:
http://people.delphi.com/gkemerling/dy/index.htm
Course Content:
January 10th What is
Philosophy? Wolff, pages 1-40
January 17th Theory of Knowledge Wolff, pages 41-86
January 24th Metaphysics and Philosophy of Mind Wolff, pages 87-120 (plus AI)
January 31st Philosophy of Science Wolff, pages 121-156
February 7th Ethical Theory Wolff, pages 157-242 (plus Les Miserables)
February 14th Midterm--due by February 18th
February 21st Social and Political Philosophy Wolff, pages 243-306
February 28th Philosophy of Art Wolff, pages 307-350 (plus Immortal Beloved)
March 7th Philosophy of Religion Wolff, pages 351-396
March 14th Feminist Philosophy
March 21st Philosophy of People of Color (plus Jefferson of Paris)
March 28th Philosophy of People of Color (plus Malcolm X)
April 4th Philosophy of Sexual Orientation
April 11th ISC due by April 16th
April 18th Final Exam—due by April 20th
Grading:
Midterm Exam
12.5%
Independent Study Project 25 %
Final Exam 12.5%
Class Participation 50 %
N.B. This is critical. Your class participation in class discussions is critical. You will be graded on both the amount of participation and also the quality of it. I will respond to all your comments to my discussion questions and will read all of your responses to your classmates.
Guidelines for the Independent
Study Component:
Courses offered in the Health Arts Program
are designated as upper division and are also four semester hours of credit.
Consequently, the Independent Study Component becomes an integral part of the
Health Arts courses that adds both breadth and depth to each course. It
distinguishes those courses taken in the Health Arts Program from ones that have
similar titles but are lower division and also from those that are three
semester hours of credit.
Each student will write a 12-page research paper that will deal with an aspect of philosophy and our modern society. The topic will be approved before beginning the project. Students are encouraged to pick a topic that either has applicability to their professional work or personal life.
Expectations:
I look forward to this semester and expect
that you will do your part to make this a rewarding experience for you and the
rest of your class. Together, we will have a fruitful journey to better
understanding philosophy in our modern society.
As an online learner, you will be expected,
in addition to your reading assignments, to be in class at least
three hours per week. This three-hour class time will be spent online with your
other online learners or completing the weekly assignments.
Assignments will be posted at the beginning of
each week. While you are alone in front of your computer, you are still a part
of your class. Class participation online is even more important than in the
traditional classroom. Please review the Course
Roadmap for more details.
Statement of Academic Integrity:
Students have an obligation to exhibit
honesty in carrying out their academic assignments. Students may be found to
have violated this obligation if they plagiarize or cheat. Plagiarism is
presenting the work of others as one’s own; cheating is taking, giving, or
accepting any illicit advantage for any course work inside or outside of the
classroom.
ADA
Statement:
All students with disabilities who need
accommodations should alert your instructor within the first week of school and
contact the Disabilities Coordinator, Pat Vivio in the Office of Disability
Services, Room S210. She can be reached by email (pvivio@stfrancis.edu) or
phone (815) 740-3204.
USF
Mission Statement:
As a Catholic university rooted in the
liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learner challenged by Franciscan
values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom,
and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for
creation, compassion, and peacemaking. We strive for academic excellence in all
programs, preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and
leadership.
Accessibility:
I look forward to
teaching this class. If you need anything or have any problem, the following
information will provide you with access to assistance. Please feel free to
contact me whenever necessary.
Dr. Al Campbell
8355 Doubletree Drive North
Crown Point, IN 46307
cell (219) 928-5598
(219) 942-5595
campbell@wolverton-mountain.com
www.wolverton-mountain.com